ic Bright Lights and Good Cheer

[Fox]

Tiamat had disappeared at the siren's call of fresh, cooked meat - the amazonian woman somehow already had a plate piled high with a variety of protein and precious little else - but Gaian Knight had never made it terribly far from the front entrance, and with the resident speedster otherwise occupied he had the uncommonly good luck to be the first to answer the knock.

"Welcome!" he announced, opening the door and stepping aside to let their new arrival in. "Come on in, get out of that cold. You're in luck - the food's only just now been made ready. You should have some time to shake the snow off before it all disappears."

[TheAbsurdist]

"As-salam 'Alaykum.  A pleasure to make your acquaintance Mr. Al-Misri.  Always great to meet someone who goes to such lengths to try and better life for those in the Fens.  I'm sure your contributions have gone a long way.  Don't worry, I keep my eyes away from the negative gossip stories.  Everyone just trying to make a buck."  Although Foreshadow's DVR may tell a different tale from the testimony given.

 

Asad had filled out a bit as well, but then he was a known fitness nut, and did various ultra marathons for charity over the summer.  Smiling at the other man easily, before releasing his after two firm shakes, having no urge to show off.  He was a business man, so he had the meet and greet down.  "Now if you will excuse me... I hear food is on."  Glancing over his shoulder at the mention of food, he pushed in the air, and opted to raid the food from above, rather than milling about.  Besides, he had most of his wardrobe altered to accommodate for flying, well as near as one could do that, in this case.

[GranspearZX]

Crusader

 

It had been a while since Clark Noble had been anywhere near a party. With everything that had gone on in his life in the past year, he'd been trying to make extra time for himself. He'd even gone as far as using his previously untouched vacation time to take the entire fall semester off, leaving much of his coaching duties to the rest of the FDR High staff. When he received the invitation while out on a patrol, he was looking forward to attending.

 

The red-and-white clad superhero walked into Freedom Hall in his usual costume, topped off with a particularly festive red and white Santa cap. He didn't seem too bothered by the cold outwardly, but he was glad to be out of it nonetheless.

[Thevshi]

Crusader

 

It had been a while since Clark Noble had been anywhere near a party. With everything that had gone on in his life in the past year, he'd been trying to make extra time for himself. He'd even gone as far as using his previously untouched vacation time to take the entire fall semester off, leaving much of his coaching duties to the rest of the FDR High staff. When he received the invitation while out on a patrol, he was looking forward to attending.

 

The red-and-white clad superhero walked into Freedom Hall in his usual costume, topped off with a particularly festive red and white Santa cap. He didn't seem too bothered by the cold outwardly, but he was glad to be out of it nonetheless.

 

Megan was very glad to see Jen, they both had been rather busy the last several months, so had not talked much.  While the other girl knew some of what was going on in Megan's life, there had been some very significant changes in the past six weeks or so (at least from Jen's perspective).  From Megan's perspective, it had been years since she and Jen had last talked.  But it would not be easy trying to talk about those in a crowded party such as this.

 

While Velocity was talking to her friend she saw a new guest enter the hall near the pair.  The yellow clad speedster turned so she was facing Crusader while still engaged with Silver Spider.  "Hello, Happy Holidays and welcome to Freedom Hall."  She said with a wide smile.

 

"I'm Velocity, and this is Silver Spider."  She then added.

[Thunder King]

Crimson Tiger

 

Mali pulled up in her car with her two friends and parked it about half a block away from Freedom Hall. She wore her usual jacket, a black leather designed to protect her on her civilian bike. She wore a domino mask to help at least somewhat protect her identity, and walked down the street to Freedom Hall.

 

Once inside, she checked her coat and walked into the main room. She was wearing a crimson colored dress, conservative, but still pretty. She glanced around the room, wondering if she'd see anyone she recognized.

[ImpliedSpider]

Socialising with other superheroes was something Starchaser had known would happen sooner or later, but that didn't mean he'd been able to plan accordingly for something like this. A Christmas party with the Freedom League just two short months after he'd stepped onto the scene was certainly not what he had anticipated, but he was hardly going to turn down such a major opportunity.

 

Of course, he had no idea what the expected attire was for such an occasion. Was a dinner suit or costume more appropriate? Or were they supposed to keep the Christmas spirit in mind? Unfortunately, the invitation that had mysteriously arrived at his apartment one evening had left things relatively vague. Alexander had decided that a little Yuletide cheer added to his standard costume was probably a safe bet, so he'd topped it off with a Santa hat.

 

Alexander put in a brief appearance at his office's Christmas party first, then parked a few blocks from Freedom Hall and flew the rest of the way. He landed just outside the massive structure, striding into the lobby and leaving his invitation on the desk, not entirely sure what else he was supposed to do with it. Then he walked into the main hall, taking a moment to admire the room, both its extensive decorations and its masterful construction.

Edited December 10, 2013 by ImpliedSpider

[Thevshi]

Giang Trang had been one of Mali's passengers, exiting the car along with her friends and following along during the short walk to the front of Freedom Hall.  The Asian teen was wearing a black, full backed dress with long sleeves that were of a semi-transparent material.  Unlike Mali, Giang was not wearing a coat, as the cold night air did not bother her in the least.  Nor was the teen wearing a mask, for though she wore one when she could while operating at Tsunami, she was not overly concerned about her identity as her friend was, especially seeing as several of the Freedom League knew it already.

 

As they entered the lobby of Freedom Hall, Giang glanced around with a slight look of surprise.  The room looked so very different than it had during her brief visit here almost exactly a year ago, when Raven had first brought her to Freedom City.

[Brown Dynamite]

Glamazon

 

Thaelia exited out of the car behind Tsunami yet another of Mali's passengers.  Her face was of course exposed, the teen was a public figure in and out of uniform.  Even if she wasn't a part of Thaelia loved the spotlight. Her seafoam green mermaid style gown was matched by the black dress wedges she had chosen as footwear.  She also had a pair of matching green gloves adorned upon her hands.  The outfit coming together with a golden seashell necklace that rested upon the teen's neck.  

 

Upon entering the lobby Thaelia began excitedly looking around.  Having only heard second hand accounts of the non-sea faring members of the Freedom League she was curious as to how their hallowed halls would appear.  "I expected more statues of tribute."

[horngeek]

Vector didn't seem too put-off by Tiamat's disappearance, simply going to get some food before looking around and heading over to Comrade Frost, smiling.  "Hello, there.  I love the entrance you made.  Oh, I'm Vector, by the way.  It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr..."

[GranspearZX]

 

Megan was very glad to see Jen, they both had been rather busy the last several months, so had not talked much.  While the other girl knew some of what was going on in Megan's life, there had been some very significant changes in the past six weeks or so (at least from Jen's perspective).  From Megan's perspective, it had been years since she and Jen had last talked.  But it would not be easy trying to talk about those in a crowded party such as this.

 

While Velocity was talking to her friend she saw a new guest enter the hall near the pair.  The yellow clad speedster turned so she was facing Crusader while still engaged with Silver Spider.  "Hello, Happy Holidays and welcome to Freedom Hall."  She said with a wide smile.

 

"I'm Velocity, and this is Silver Spider."  She then added.

 

Crusader

 

"Nice to meet you both." Crusader gave a polite smile and nod. "I'm Crusader."

 

He'd recognized a handful of faces, including Asad--that car was pretty damn hard to miss, and significantly more impressive than the motorcycle on which he'd arrived. Even as a civilian, wasn't much for networking, so he made a far more earnest effort than he would have unmasked to be sociable, nodding in acknowledgement to the teens that had recently arrived. "Merry Christmas, ladies."

[GranspearZX]

Arcturus

 

Arc wasn't far behind the Solar Sentinel when it came to food. He made himself a sizeable plate and nearly half of it was gone by the time he spotted Glamazon,  Crimson Tiger, and Tsunami. Tsunami was really the only one he could recall having talked to for any length of time, but he'd seen the others around Claremont several times before he'd graduated in May. It seemed only fitting for him to go over and say hello. "Hey! Happy Holidays and such."

Edited December 10, 2013 by GranspearZX

[Electra]

Fleur de Joie

 

Stesha swept through the party with careless ease, giving hugs to her teammates (or a nod to Comrade Frost), smiles and clasped hands to her friends and acquaintances. It was strange to see so many unfamiliar faces amongst the gathered heroes; spending so much time on Sanctuary was obviously keeping her out of the loop. No time like the present to start rectifying that, especially since even Velocity's speed wasn't letting her say hello to everyone coming in. Looking towards the door, she zeroed in on the new arrivals. 

 

 

Alexander put in a brief appearance at his office's Christmas party first, then parked a few blocks from Freedom Hall and flew the rest of the way. He landed just outside the massive structure, striding into the lobby and leaving his invitation on the desk, not entirely sure what else he was supposed to do with it. Then he walked into the main hall, taking a moment to admire the room, both its extensive decorations and its masterful construction.

 

"Merry Christmas! Welcome to the party!" Fleur said effusively as she extended a hand in greeting to the newcomer. "I don't think we've met yet, I'm Fleur de Joie. I like your hat!" Even when she wasn't in costume, the heroine's green hair made her hard to mistake. 

[Thevshi]

 

Crusader

 

He'd recognized a handful of faces, including Asad--that car was pretty damn hard to miss, and significantly more impressive than the motorcycle on which he'd arrived. Even as a civilian, wasn't much for networking, so he made a far more earnest effort than he would have unmasked to be sociable, nodding in acknowledgement to the teens that had recently arrived. "Merry Christmas, ladies."

 

Giang glanced over at the sound of the voice that greeted her and her friends as they entered.  "Merry Christmas."  She said in reply, giving a slight bow to the tall man who was talking with two other heroines, one of whom was one of the Freedom League members.  But before she could say anything further, another familiar voice called out in greeting as well.

 

Arcturus

 

Arc wasn't far behind the Solar Sentinel when it came to food. He made himself a sizeable plate and nearly half of it was gone by the time he spotted Glamazon,  Crimson Tiger, and Tsunami. Tsunami was really the only one he could recall having talked to for any length of time, but he'd seen the others around Claremont several times before he'd graduated in May. It seemed only fitting for him to go over and say hello. "Hey! Happy Holidays and such."

 

The Asian teen turned to see Marcus approaching and gave the recent Claremont alum a small smile.  Though she did not know him particularly well, the two had been part of a group of Claremont students that had gone to Mozambique to assist with some disaster recovery after a flood last Spring.  "Happy Holidays Arcturus.  How have you been?"

[Tiffany Korta]

At Revenant's kiss, Comrade Frost actually blushed! It was hard to tell, even this close, but his blue-white cheeks did noticeably pinken for a handful of moments. It did not seem like the Russian ice hero got a lot of kisses these days. But he recovered quickly. "I, er, heh-heh-heh...I suppose I can, my dear, since you are suitably penitent." he said with a wink. "It is not so bad what you have done, you have only danced with wrong younger men!" When he thought about it, Frost realized something unusual at this party- he was by no means the oldest! Given his usual haunts, this was unusual indeed. "Later tonight, I show you finest dancing in all of Russia." The fire flickered again at his words. 

 

He cocked an eye at Arcturus and said seriously, "You do not have to kiss me, but it is good to hear your story. It pleases me to see a man who wears the bear even in these warm climes."

 

He made greetings to the others as well, but seemed the most interested in the vampire lady and the bear boy before he raised his head and called, "Ah, Lady Tiamat, our fire grows dim without you!" 

 

Lucy gave a big grin at Comrade’s Frost and continued to hug, to her, the younger man.

“And I can teach you to Charleston like a professional, these modern dances are nothing on what we did in my day.â€

She gave a little sigh as the call was given for the catering for the event.

“That’s the one thing I miss since my return the taste of good food, heck I’ll settle for the taste of average food. I never thought I would but I even miss the taste of Bathtub Gin, the modern stuff tastes of nothing but water for me.† 

[Azuth65]

 

"Wweeeelll, I suppose you can."  Velocity replied with a small smile when Asad asked if he could refer to her as "Vel."  She noted another arrival, wearing a Greek style helmet with a large crest, but Gabriel quickly moved to greet him.  Fleur then exited the conference room in which the refreshments had been set up and the speedster smiled.

"Well, as you all can see, the refreshments are just back there."  She stated with a small nod.  "Down the hall on the left hand side of the central stairs and elevators is a larger conference room we will be using as  a dance floor, as well as the League's museum, which is open tonight as well.  I should probably go to help with greeting some new arrivals, but I am sure I will see all of you again later."

 

With that the speedster moved on,  just in time to see her old friend Jennifer Owens, also known as Silver Spider, arrive.

 

 

Velocity moved over in a flash, giving Jen a wide smile.  "Hey there Silver, Happy Holidays!"  She said in greeting, giving the other heroine a hug.

 

Over the sound system,

">The Christmas Waltz sung by Peggy Lee began to play.

[Geez3r]

Silver returned the hug from her friend, "Hey Vel.  Happy Holidays yourself."  The scientist nodded towards the bag she had across her back, "You mentioned something about a changing room?  Traffic's a nightmare and I didn't feel like slinging webs across town in a dress."  She could not see it but there was a hint of a playful smirk in the younger woman's words.

 

Nodding to Crusader she held out a hand, "Merry Christmas to you as well."  Halfway through the handshake, Silver's stomach let out an almost embarrassingly loud rumble.  "Sorry, I missed lunch.  The day job's been crazy and I had to tie up a purse snatcher on the way here."

 

OK.  You're here, on time, and you haven't made a complete fool of yourself.  So what the heck was step two?  thought Maxima to herself as she left with side conference room with her plate of food.  She stood off to the side for a moment while she got the lay of the land from her vantage point.  It seemed like everyone knew at least a handful of people there, or were at least braver than she was. Deciding to bite the bullet, Maxima made her way up to one of the groups to introduce herself. 

 

She figured a good place to start would be the hosts since they would be there to help smooth over awkward greetings and the like, plus they were probably the ones to know everyone in attendance.  For the moment, the yellow speedster seemed to be mostly still chatting it up with another woman and a male super hero.  "Hello." said Maxima as she walked up to the group giving them a small wave.  "Hope I'm not interrupting anything, but I just wanted to introduce myself.  The name's Maxima."

[Thevshi]

Velocity

 

 

Crusader

 

"Nice to meet you both." Crusader gave a polite smile and nod. "I'm Crusader."

 

"Very nice to meet you as well Crusader."  Velocity replied with a cheery smile.  "Glad you could make it for the party."

 

Silver returned the hug from her friend, "Hey Vel.  Happy Holidays yourself."  The scientist nodded towards the bag she had across her back, "You mentioned something about a changing room?  Traffic's a nightmare and I didn't feel like slinging webs across town in a dress."  She could not see it but there was a hint of a playful smirk in the younger woman's words.

 

Nodding to Crusader she held out a hand, "Merry Christmas to you as well."  Halfway through the handshake, Silver's stomach let out an almost embarrassingly loud rumble.  "Sorry, I missed lunch.  The day job's been crazy and I had to tie up a purse snatcher on the way here."

 

"Sure Spider, there are some places you can change just upstairs."  The speedster replied to her friend, quickly catching herself before she said "Jen" instead of "Spider."  She then grinned as she added, "did you want to go change first, or get something to eat?"  But before the other heroine could answer, another guest had made their way over to the trio.

 

She figured a good place to start would be the hosts since they would be there to help smooth over awkward greetings and the like, plus they were probably the ones to know everyone in attendance.  For the moment, the yellow speedster seemed to be mostly still chatting it up with another woman and a male super hero.  "Hello." said Maxima as she walked up to the group giving them a small wave.  "Hope I'm not interrupting anything, but I just wanted to introduce myself.  The name's Maxima."

 

Velocity turned to look up at the Maxima as the muscular woman greeted them.  "Hello Maxima, no, you're not intruding at all.  Happy Holidays.  I'm Velocity and this is Silver Spider and Crusader.  I hope you have been enjoying yourself."

[Thunder King]

Crimson Tiger

 

For the first time in quite a while, Mali entered a room and barely knew anyone. She'd heard stories, of course. She recognized Asad as an associate of her father's, she knew Foreshadow from some previous dealings. Velocity she'd seen quite a few times on tv and pictures, being rather famous among certain circles. Mali made it a habit of knowing a lot about heroes, especially some of the female heroes who were personal inspirations to her, like the Raven.

 

Though she'd never met Arcturus in person to her recollection, a guy like him didn't exactly go under the radar. "Hi Arcturus." She said with a pleasant smile. "Nice to see you, Merry Christmas."

 

She waved at Crusader, who she didn't recognize, but probably had heard of at least once. Claremont was filled with not just students learning to be heroes, but hero fans, so most of the heroes in the room were known to someone.

[Brown Dynamite]

Glamazon

 

"It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.  Happy holidays."  Arcturus was a familiar sight, as were the rest whom had pictures in the school as being Claremont alumni.  But she was someone he had actually seen walking around the campus before.  Not that they had ever spoken.  Which did help to bring to Thaelia's attention in the party full of the grand most were strangers to her eyes.  The oft boisterous girl managing to find a slight moment of self-consciousness which quickly passed as she adjusted herself.

 

Her eyes locked with admiration on Maxima in the distance for a moment.  Even though Thaelia was still growing she was pretty much used to the fact that there weren't any female heroes that she would have to tilt her head up to speak to.  But by comparison for the first time in a long while the demigoddess felt small.  Thaelia had no idea whom the heroine was, but it was a sight that made her downright excited for sure.

[Azuth65]

Velocity

 

 

"Very nice to meet you as well Crusader."  Velocity replied with a cheery smile.  "Glad you could make it for the party."

 

 

"Sure Spider, there are some places you can change just upstairs."  The speedster replied to her friend, quickly catching herself before she said "Jen" instead of "Spider."  She then grinned as she added, "did you want to go change first, or get something to eat?"  But before the other heroine could answer, another guest had made their way over to the trio.

 

 

Velocity turned to look up at the Maxima as the muscular woman greeted them.  "Hello Maxima, no, you're not intruding at all.  Happy Holidays.  I'm Velocity and this is Silver Spider and Crusader.  I hope you have been enjoying yourself."

"Normally I would try and make a break for dry clothes but, my stomach has other ideas."  Before she could ask what the League had to offer their guests, they were greeted by another one of Freedom's heroes.  Nodding towards the newest arrival, "A pleasure to meet you Maxima.  You know, the longer I look around the room, the more I'm disappointed in myself for not networking in the community more."

 

"C'est la vie," she shrugged.  Feeling like it was up to her to get the conversation started past the introductions she set aside plans of food and dry clothes, "So, everyone get their Christmas shopping done?  Or are you guys like me and tend to wait until the last minute?"

[Avenger Assembled]

"I should introduce you to real drink sometime," Frost opined. "The Buryat of Siberia make drink called Tarasun, whisky brewed entirely from mare's milk! Your Buryat drinks his Tarasun when he needs strength, and when he needs pray to his god. A very sensible people, the Buryat." He nodded at that, rather enjoying the rare spectacle of a pretty woman on his lap as he nodded back to Fleur de Joie. "Holidays can be difficult for those of us denied certain earthly delights. With work in toyshop, of course," he added, tugging at his rubber-banded beard. "But there are ways to get them, for a clever man. Or lady," he added with a wink her way. "Like dancing, for example. I have had some experience with this...but never Charleston with lady so pretty as you."

[KnightDisciple]

Gabriel saw Cannonade walk in and went over almost right away. He offered the other man a smile and a handshake. 

 

"If the party's not over you're not late! Glad to see you here, Cannonade. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you as well! You actually got here right at the perfect time! Fleur just opened up the food for us, so I hope you came hungry!"

 

The man inspired by an archangel seemed to think for a moment before starting to head that way himself.

 

"I'm a bit hungry myself, anyways, so we can walk and talk if you'd like. Plenty of other folks here enjoying the party, feel free to mingle!"

 

There had been a bit of a rush for the food, but the space provided was large, and heroes tended to be polite. When they got to the tables, Gabriel was thoughtful enough to hand Cannonade an empty plate along with some silverware and a couple of napkins.

 

"You're on your own for the actual food and your drink, though."

 

He gave a grin before starting to load up his own plate. Lots of meat and carbs, though a sprinkling of semi-healthy stuff.

 

"Gotta keep up the energy...anyways. Heard about you busting the chops of a bunch of gun-runners down in Southside. I swear, they're like weeds! I just took down three separate groups of them last month. At least the folks down there have you and me looking after them, right?"

 

He smirked and tapped his helmet, producing a metallic "ping".

 

"Guys with our impeccable taste in headgear gotta back each other up."

[Geez3r]

"Normally I would try and make a break for dry clothes but, my stomach has other ideas."  Before she could ask what the League had to offer their guests, they were greeted by another one of Freedom's heroes.  Nodding towards the newest arrival, "A pleasure to meet you Maxima.  You know, the longer I look around the room, the more I'm disappointed in myself for not networking in the community more."

 

"C'est la vie," she shrugged.  Feeling like it was up to her to get the conversation started past the introductions she set aside plans of food and dry clothes, "So, everyone get their Christmas shopping done?  Or are you guys like me and tend to wait until the last minute?"

 

"Don't worry, I'm in the same boat with you there; I look around the room and the only names I know are from the news." replied Maxima, feeling quite glad that there was someone else here in a similar position.  Eager to have a more casual conversation she continued saying "I'm more or less done with all my shopping.  Still trying to grab a few small stocking stuffers here or there, but I got the bulk of everything else last weekend.   I've got people that are easy to buy for though." she answered distractedly.  Right now her main focus was deciding whether she should continue this conversation at full height or stoop down a bit.  Deciding on the latter, she dropped to one knee so that she could talk to the other heroes more or less at eye level instead of them talking to her navel. 

[Exaccus]

"Welcome!" he announced, opening the door and stepping aside to let their new arrival in. "Come on in, get out of that cold. You're in luck - the food's only just now been made ready. You should have some time to shake the snow off before it all disappears."

 

"Thank you, young man" Alexander rumbles as he steps through the threshold and into the building "Ah wonderful! ill have to make my way over there after i get myself better acquainted." Holding out his hand "Go by Ulysses under the cover of cowl; Its a pleasure to meet you." using his free hand to wipe his shoulders clear and stealing a quick glance around the room.

[TheAbsurdist]

Swooping back away from the table, he ate the little bit of finger food he had picked up before Asad looked at everyone there, and frowned to himself, realizing that... well... yeah, he had nothing to say to anyone here.  Sure he could make small talk, but honestly, especially with other heroes he felt... self conscious?  That was probably the best way to put it.  It was awkward, he felt awkward  in a situation where he had no idea what to say.  It was such an unusual thing that he was almost panicking.  He was Amir al Misri, he always had something to say.  But put him in a room with a bunch of other heroes, and he was a tongue tied teenager with people half his age.  Allah, he felt silly. So he made his way to the corner of a room, and did what any person in his position would do in a situation like this: fritter away on his phone.

 

Humming to himself, as he tapped away, going to various e-mails to other things.  Admitted he was waiting for a response from Agnus to see if she was available for something this time of year.  Plus a hundred other things that he needed to look into, overseas acquisitions, various figures, reports.  His brows knitted together, as he started to pace absently, one hand holding the phone, the other attacking the screen in a claw.  All of that was just excuses to used to justify why he was avoiding talking to these people.